Factors associated with asthma symptoms in Colombian subpopulations aged 1 to 17 and 18 to 59: Secondary analysis of the study "Prevalence of asthma and other allergic diseases in Colombia 2009-2010"

Background: Asthma, a chronic inflammatory lung disease, is one of the leading causes of disability, demands on health resources, and poor quality of life. It is necessary to identify asthma-related risk factors to reduce the presence and development of symptoms. Objective: This study aimed to explore the association of multiple possible factors with asthma symptoms in two subpopulations, children, adolescents, and adults, in six cities in Colombia. Materials and methods: This was an observational analytical case-control study based on a cross-sectional study conducted as a secondary analysis of the prevalence of asthma and other allergic diseases in Colombia during 2009 and 2010. Weighted logistic regressions were conducted for each population. Results: Out of the 5978 subjects in the cross-sectional survey, 747 were identified as cases, and 3109 were identified as controls. The prevalence of asthma was 30.8% in the child and adolescent population and 14.7% in the adult population. Among the various factors studied, those associated with asthma symptoms in children/adolescents were: A family history of asthma (OR 2.4; 95% CI 1.3–4.7) and rhinitis (OR 2.0; 95% CI 1.1–3.6); acetaminophen consumption at least once a month (OR 3.6; 95% CI 2.1–6.2); and the presence of birds at home (OR 2.0; 95% CI 1.1–3.8). Regarding food consumption: Fruit consumption (OR 3.8; 95% CI 1.1–12.7). In adults, the factors that showed significant association were: A family history of allergic diseases (rhinitis OR 3.3; 95% CI 2.3–4.6), atopic eczema (OR 4.4; 95% CI 2.8–7.0), or asthma (OR 1.8;95% CI 1.3–2.6); acetaminophen consumption at least once a month (OR 2.0; 1.5–2.8); the presence of dogs at home (OR 1.4;95% CI 1.03–1.8), exposure to second-hand smoke (OR 1.7; 95% CI 1.2–2.2), and exposure to exhaust fumes during the day (OR 1.7; 95% CI 1.04–2.7). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that different cultural, environmental, and family factors are associated with asthma symptoms in children and adolescents, and these associations are evident in both males and females.